Kikao Mtaani

Dwellers of informal settlements, commonly known as slums or ghetto, live in deplorable conditions characterized by widespread poverty, poor sanitation, poor housing, poor infrastructure, and inadequate education facilities. High populations in the slums compound the problem by exerting more pressure on the inadequate amenities. The resulting lack of opportunities has led to high unemployment rates due to low economic activities, thereby pushing youth into crime. Crime rates in informal settlements have been exacerbated by historical systemic neglect by successive governments.

The government’s response to the above crisis in the past has led to hue and cry amongst the ghetto dwellers and human rights defenders as they accuse police of using excessive force on suspected criminal gang members and conducting extra judicial killings.

In light of this, the State Department for Youth designed the Kikao (Swahili word meaning conversation) Mtaani programme which is a dialogue-based youth-led approach to facilitate discussions between the youth in  slums and Government in order to address root causes of challenges affecting them.

KIKAO meetings are planned and implemented by the State Department for Youth in conjunction with Spread Truth International, a non-state actor that reaches out to the most vulnerable in society. Before the Covid-19 pandemic  Kikao forums had been held in Dandora, Kariobangi North  and Kibagare where over 4000 youth were reached.

The State Department for Youth has managed to map out and bring on board over 25 partners for KIKAO include: Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF), National Youth Council (NYC) Women Enterprise fund (WEF), UWEZO fund, National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), National Council of People with Disability(NCPWD), Emerging leaders Foundation (ELF), Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), Ghetto Radio, Kenya Film Board.